Exploring risk factors related to violence reported by migrants whose external migration was characterized as "irregular*"
*here "irregular" migration refers to migration not following regular migration pathways such as through the use of visas, foreign residence permits, or those seeking asylum.
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Data collected from approximately 5,000 household interviews and over 6,000 web survey responses across the three countries conducted as part of a joint initiative between WFP and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to better understand the factors in migration.
It is key to remember that this survey was conducted on migrants after their journey which means that the data we are seeing is likely subject to Survivor Bias.
Migrants reporting violence
Rate of reported violence: 25.38%
Female migrants in the data were less likely to report violence.
Female migrants
Rate of reported violence: 20.24%
All others
Rate of reported violence: 27.23%
“Me and some other women with our children were offered a ride by two young men, but it was a trap. They took us to the fields and pulled out a gun. Thank god we were able to fight back against them, but many other women are not as lucky” - Pilar, El Salvador, (February 2020)
People migrating because of deterioration of livelihoods due to natural hazards (floods, droughts, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, plagues, etc.) were more likely to experience violence than those migrating for other reasons.
Migrants motivated by deteriorating livelihoods from natural hazards
Rate of reported violence: 41.94%
All others
Rate of reported violence: 24.96%
“ We are doomed here. The desperation, the sadness, that's what makes you migrate." - Magdalena Flores (Honduras 2020)
“ I never wanted to do this.” - Said Ana Hernández, clutching her 11-year-old's hand at a gas station - “The situation is forcing me to. You get to a point where you don't have anything to give them to eat.” (Honduras 2020)
Migrants traveling alone had higher rates of reported violence.
Migrants traveling alone
Rate of reported violence: 33.91%
All others
Rate of reported violence: 23.43%
Migrants traveling in a caravan reported higher rates of violence than migrants traveling with a cayote or through their own method.
Migrants traveling in a caravan
Rate of reported violence: 57.89%
All others
Rate of reported violence: 24.36%